Adult & Lifelong Learning

The State Historical Society of Iowa offers numerous programs and events designed to educate individuals of all ages on Iowa's history. These offerings include lectures, tours, conferences, workshops, and more.
 

Join us at the Museum

Explore the State Historical Museum of Iowa through its exhibits, collection tours, and documentary and panel presentations.

Schedule a Self-Guided Group Visit

Self-guided visits to the State Historical Museum of Iowa are free and allow groups of up to 90 people to explore museum exhibits at their own pace. To ensure the best experience for your group, self-guided groups over 10 people are asked to schedule their visit at least two weeks in advance with the Museum Adult Visit Request Form. 

Request a Private Tour

Looking to enhance your visit? Discover Iowa’s history through a private, expert-led tour at the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Choose a behind-the-scenes collection storage tour for access to areas not open to the public, or themed exhibit tours focused on historical topics. Private tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance and require a fee.

Private Museum Collection Tours

Schedule a 60 minute museum-staff led tour of select items from the State Historical Museum of Iowa's collection storage. The guided tour of the lower level includes a behind-the-scenes look at where the museum stores 80,000 objects not on display in the exhibits. The tour includes historic cars, battle flags, sand art, and much more. 

Private tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance and the cost to book a private tour is $10 per person. The minimum number of people required is 10 people and the maximum is 20 people due to space limitations. To request a private museum collection tour and begin the scheduling process, please submit the  request form.

Private Museum Exhibit Tours

Explore Iowa history through private, expert-led 45-minute tours focused on specific themes and stories from Iowa’s past. Designed for adult learners and small groups, these tours offer deeper context, discussion and insight beyond a standard museum visit. Current exhibit tour topics include:

• Iowa and the Civil War
• Iowa Territory and Early Statehood
• Planes, Wagons, & Automobiles (Transportation)
• Portraits and Paintings (Art Focus)
• Revolutionary Iowans (America 250)
• Women in Iowa History

Private exhibit tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance and the cost to book a private tour is $5 per person. The minimum number of people required is 4 people and the maximum is 20 people due to space limitations. To request a private exhibit tour and begin the scheduling process, please submit the request form.

Documentary Showings

Throughout the year, join the State Historical Society of Iowa, in partnership with Iowa PBS, for showings of documentaries focusing on the important events and people from Iowa's past.

Learn Virtually

Can't make it to the museum? Explore Iowa's rich history from anywhere with our diverse online programs.

Iowa History 101 Series

This wide-ranging online series of lectures by State Historical Society of Iowa staff and other experts examines Iowa History through a cultural lens. Find upcoming program dates and explore recordings of past programs. 

Iowa History Book Club

Every few months, the statewide club focuses on a different book about Iowa history, with online discussions led by the authors, special guests and Andrew Klumpp, who edits The Annals of Iowa. 

Iowa Stories

Since 2007, this in-person lecture series at the State Historical Society of Iowa Research Center in Iowa City has showcased insightful research on a diverse array of Iowa topics.

Special Programs

The State Historical Museum of Iowa hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year.

Iowa History Month

Every March, Iowans of all ages are invited to celebrate Iowa History Month with the State Historical Society of Iowa and partner organizations across the state.

Days of Learning

The Days of Learning program connects educators, students, parents and lifelong learners from around the state with dynamic programming to showcase Iowa's arts, history, humanities and film.

History on the Move

The State Historical Museum of Iowa sends traveling exhibits to every corner of the state.